ILOILO — All 17 people aboard a motorized banca, including four crew members, were rescued after the vessel capsized off the coast of Barangay Buenavista in Carles, Iloilo following rough sea conditions.
The rescue was carried out by the Philippine Coast Guard–Iloilo, which responded after the boat encountered strong winds and heavy waves while en route to Gigantes Island on February 10.
Ensign El John Ga, spokesperson of the Coast Guard unit, said the banca had departed from Bancal Port when it was overwhelmed by rough seas in mid-voyage, causing seawater to enter the vessel and eventually leading to its capsizing near Barangay Buenavista.
The crew immediately sought assistance from fellow boat operators at the port, who alerted the Coast Guard Substation in Carles. Responding personnel successfully rescued all passengers and crew members.
Those rescued were later brought to the Rural Health Unit Carles for medical evaluation. Authorities reported that no serious injuries were recorded.
Most of the passengers were reportedly from Luzon and were planning to go island hopping in Gigantes Island when the incident occurred./PN
